Fall armyworms and rats simultaneously attack Gia Lai corn crops, threatening harvest

Fall armyworms and rats are simultaneously attacking corn crops in Gia Lai province, Vietnam, posing a significant threat to harvest yields in areas like Kông Chro and Ya Ma communes. The dual infestation has farmers worried about potential crop losses.

The fall armyworm has already caused damage across 134.2 hectares of cornfields, ranging from light to moderate. In corn plants at the 3-5 leaf stage, the larvae consume the epidermis of young leaves, leaving behind characteristic tiny white marks. As the plants mature to the 5-7 leaf stage, the worms create larger holes, directly impacting the plants' photosynthetic capacity and growth.

One farmer, Dinh Thi Mlu, reported moderate damage on her 0.5-hectare plot of local sticky corn, with the worms in their late, voracious stage. In contrast, a 1-hectare plot of genetically modified corn owned by Dinh Byei in the same village showed only scattered, light damage, suggesting that resistant varieties could help mitigate losses.

Specialized agencies recommend using pesticides for areas with high worm density and significant risk to yields, emphasizing adherence to technical guidelines for timely control. Farmers are also urged to enhance crop care to aid plant recovery. The region's economy heavily relies on agriculture, with communes like Kông Chro and Ya Ma cultivating over 3,744 hectares of corn, 5,156 hectares of cassava, and thousands of hectares of sugarcane and other crops.

Adding to the agricultural woes, rats have also caused localized damage. Inspections in the villages of Pyang and Hlang revealed scattered, partial damage to young corn plants, particularly at night. Farmers have attempted trapping and baiting but with limited success. Concerns are high that rats will target maturing corn or spread to other crops like cassava and rice. In 2021, a similar rat infestation prompted a large-scale extermination campaign in the area.

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